The history of Saskatchewan’s water policy and drainage reflects more than a century of evolving priorities in agriculture, flood control, and environmental stewardship.
From early efforts to manage excess water and protect downstream communities, through periods of extensive infrastructure development and shifting regulatory oversight, the province’s approach has continually adapted to changing climate conditions, technologies and land use needs.
The timeline below highlights key milestones, policies and institutional changes that have shaped agricultural water management—providing context for today’s practices in drainage approvals, wetland retention and responsible water stewardship.
History of Saskatchewan Water Policy & Drainage
The Drainage Act was passed in Saskatchewan. This was intended to control the development of drainage works and prevent downstream damage.
Extreme flooding of agricultural lands in Saskatchewan resulted in the federal government investing in land drainage. In an emergency effort to alleviate the flooding, “Government Drains” were constructed throughout the province on private lands without any formal land control.
The Conservation & Development (C&D) Act and the C&D Branch of the Department of Agriculture were formed to maintain the government ditches. A team of engineers in the C&D Branch worked to help address the flooding problems long-term.
The Department of Environment was established to address environmental issues. Their mandate was air, land and water. Provincial oversight of water moved from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Environment.
New regulations for the Drainage Control Act brought with it the grandfathering of existing drainage works. All existing drainage works as of January 1, 1981 were grandfathered in and the new complaint process was established to deal with any problematic drainage works.
Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Association (SaskFSA) was formed. A landowner initiative to advocate for progressive land and water policy, with a focus on drainage to manage excess water on agricultural lands.
Legislation was passed to create the Water Security Agency (WSA). Bringing together many of the government’s core water management responsibilities in one place. WSA came under the control of the Ministry of Environment.
The new Agricultural Water Management Strategy was implemented. All drainage now requires approval from the Water Security Agency. Saskatchewan has over 2,900 km (1,800 miles) of organized drainage ditches, draining an estimated 4.5 million acres of farmland. Under the new legislation, it was estimated that 1.6 million to 2.4 million acres of agricultural land were now considered illegal and unapproved drainage works.
SaskFSA begins advocating for the AG Water Management file to be transferred back to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Minister of Environment passes BILL 44 - amendments to legislation that remove the grandfathering of pre-1981 drainage works, replacing the third-party water appeal board with the request for assistance process and increasing fines under the Environmental Protection Act.
WSA begins work on developing a wetland mitigation policy to prevent the loss of wetland ecosystems. This policy applies strictly to AG landowners to retain wetland acres equal to 50 percent of the pre-drainage wetland acres across the agricultural zones of Saskatchewan.
WSA is transferred to the Ministry of Highways.
WSA is transferred back into the Ministry of Agriculture.
SasKFSA brings together partners to form the SK Drainage Extension Network. Its purpose is rooted in collaboration - to connect landowners, agricultural organizations, industry, researchers and government to share and build knowledge on innovative and responsible water management practices.
The Ministry of Agriculture joins the SK DEN in a strategic advisory role. This is a fundamental shift in how stakeholders view drainage and the benefits of collaboration for all.
AG Water Stewardship Policy is announced with a 40-60% wetland retention goal across all agricultural zones. The wetland mitigation/retention policy—now the AG Water Stewardship Policy—will be implemented.
